PATENTS

      3012.  ------.  [RUHRCHEMIE A. G.]  [Process for Combining the Production of City Gas With That of the Synthesis of Hydrocarbons.]  German Patent Appl. R 110,206, R 576, filed May 27, 1941 (Cl. IV d-26 a).  TOM Reel 177, frames 1,734-1,737; Meyer Transl. PC-S-II, Fischer-Tropsch, vol. 1, chap. 57, 1948, p. 144.

            Production of suitable city gas (4,300 cal. per m.³ at 15° and 760 mm. and a d. of 0.5) from the end gas of hydrocarbon synthesis involves the use of a synthesis gas of very low N₂ content and special steps toward CH₄ formation.  One way is to use highly active catalysts far beyond the point usually considered efficient for benzine synthesis.  This has the result of considerably reducing the formation of liquid hydrocarbons and correspondingly raising the CH₄ content of the end gas.  The synthesis can also be performed with les active catalysts, which produce somewhat more CH₄.  Also it is advantageous to use active catalysts at atm. pressure, or to perform the synthesis under greater catalyst loads.  The end gas can also be subjected to partial methanization.